Alumni Spotlight

Among our alumni, Sara Liberatore, BA Art (History) '93, chair of art history at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), stands out for her passionate support of art history teaching. “When students ask me what one can do with an art history degree, I always respond 'a lot!'” says Liberatore.

After graduating from Mason, Liberatore earned her MA in art history from Virginia Commonwealth University while working part time for Fort Ward, a small museum in Alexandria, Virginia. Upon graduation, she worked as a decorative arts appraiser for Sloan's, a local auction house where, Liberatore says, “I learned about the business side of art and was exposed to decorative arts, furniture, and textiles. My growing expertise and experience helped me land a much bigger job, that of regional representative for Christie's, one of the leading international art auction houses in the world. At Christie's I worked with high level clients and handled the sale and purchase of fine art, furniture, and more. I even managed the sale of a Magritte painting!”

All along, Liberatore continued to teach, instructing classes at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland; at NOVA's Annandale and Alexandria campuses; and at Mason. “It was fun to work alongside my former professors Larry Butler, Sheila ffolliett, and Ellen Todd,” Liberatore says. In 2010, Liberatore accepted a full-time job in art history at NOVA's Alexandria campus. From 2014 to 2018, she served as assistant dean for fine arts, and she now serves as the chair of art history.

“I truly feel I have come full circle,” Liberatore says. “Part of my job as chair is to establish connections with other institutions throughout the state. This is intended to foster stronger relationships between departments and to help art history students from NOVA transfer seamlessly to Mason (our biggest transfer partner). Although my former professors have now retired, it is exciting to work with some familiar faces like Dr. Greet, Dr. Ho, and others. My time at Mason was very special to me. I adored my classes and teachers. Their passion for teaching and art influenced my own scholarly and professional pursuits. Without my degree from Mason, I would not have led such a successful life.”